A U.S. children's advocacy group says too many young people are growing up today
ill-prepared to take their place in society. Search Institute has surveyed 100,000
sixth to 12th-graders across the U.S. and found that the average young person has fewer
that half of the 40 developmental assets necessary for healthy development. These
essential ingredient range from family support and a caring school environment to personal
power and optimism about the future.

The Institute says the more 'developmental assets' young people have, the less likely
they are to use drugs and alcohol, or to engage in sexual activity or violence. Only
eight per cent of the youth surveyed experienced at least 31 of the 40 assets. The
average young person experiences 18.

Here are the 40 assets listed by the Institute as crucial to a child's healthy
development: